Sharp 90-degree turn on new Bhopal over bridge sparks concern

Bhopal: A newly built railway over bridge near Aishbagh Stadium in Bhopal has sparked controversy over its sharp 90-degree turn, which motorists are required to navigate soon after ascending. With the bridge nearing completion, critics have flagged safety concerns, calling the design a potential hazard for daily commuters.

The issue gained traction after Congress leaders took to social media to criticize the layout, prompting Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rakesh Singh to respond. “Whenever a bridge is made, a lot of technical considerations are taken into account. So, if there are such allegations, we will look into it,” Singh said. However, he dismissed the opposition’s concerns as politically motivated.

Constructed at a cost of ₹18 crore, the 648-metre-long and 8.5-metre-wide over bridge aims to ease traffic in Bhopal by connecting the densely populated areas of Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the railway station zone with New Bhopal. The project, expected to benefit nearly three lakh commuters daily, was designed to eliminate long wait times at railway crossings and reduce the need for a lengthy detour that residents have endured for years.

Work on the bridge began in March 2023 and was originally slated for completion within 18 months. However, it has taken more than 36 months to near completion due to delays in shifting electrical lines and coordination challenges between the PWD and the Railways.

Defending the design, Public Works Department (Bridge Division) Chief Engineer V D Verma told PTI that limited land availability, primarily due to the presence of a nearby metro station, left engineers with no alternative. “Due to the lack of land, there was no other option. The purpose of the RoB is to connect the two colonies,” he said.

Verma added that only light vehicles will be permitted on the over bridge, and heavy vehicles will be barred to reduce risk and ensure safe passage.